Amoah Ebenezer Jones, Larle Francis Kwabena, Beyuo Francis, Be-Ikuu Dominic Doglikuu
KAAF University College of Ghana, P.O. Box WU177, Kasoa-Central Region, Ghana.
Nursing and Midwifery Training College, P.O. Box 60, Sampa, Bono Region, Ghana.
Contracept Reprod Med. 2025 Aug 8;10(1):46. doi: 10.1186/s40834-025-00370-7.
Adolescent pregnancy remains a critical public health challenge in Ghana, accounting for a significant proportion of unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and adverse health outcomes. This study explored urban-rural differences in caregivers' willingness to support adolescent girls' contraceptive use, focusing on Awutu Senya East (urban) and Jaman North (rural) districts. A cross-sectional comparative design was employed, involving 366 caregivers. Data were collected using structured surveys and analyzed through descriptive, comparative, and modified Poisson regression techniques. Findings revealed that 68% of caregivers expressed willingness to support adolescent contraceptive use, with higher support in rural areas (76.2%) than in urban areas (63.5%). Key factors influencing caregiver willingness included gender, residential setting, and income level. Female caregivers and those in rural settings demonstrated greater support, while cultural beliefs significantly shaped attitudes toward contraceptive use. Caregivers cited pregnancy prevention, STI reduction, and health improvement as primary motivations for support, while concerns about promiscuity, infertility, and cultural or religious objections were common barriers. The study highlights the importance of addressing socio-cultural misconceptions, enhancing caregiver knowledge, and fostering supportive attitudes through targeted interventions. This study recommends community-based education, affordable contraception policies, and integrated family planning initiatives to enhance caregiver support and improve adolescent reproductive health outcomes.
青少年怀孕在加纳仍然是一项严峻的公共卫生挑战，在意外怀孕、不安全堕胎和不良健康结果中占很大比例。本研究探讨了城乡地区照顾者在支持青少年女孩使用避孕药具意愿上的差异，重点关注阿武图·塞纳东（城市）和贾曼北（农村）地区。采用了横断面比较设计，涉及366名照顾者。通过结构化调查收集数据，并运用描述性、比较性和修正泊松回归技术进行分析。研究结果显示，68%的照顾者表示愿意支持青少年使用避孕药具，农村地区（76.2%）的支持率高于城市地区（63.5%）。影响照顾者意愿的关键因素包括性别、居住环境和收入水平。女性照顾者和农村地区的照顾者表现出更大的支持度，而文化信仰显著影响了对避孕药具使用的态度。照顾者将预防怀孕、减少性传播感染和改善健康作为支持的主要动机，而对滥交、不孕以及文化或宗教反对的担忧是常见障碍。该研究强调了通过有针对性的干预措施消除社会文化误解、增强照顾者知识并培养支持态度的重要性。本研究建议开展基于社区的教育、制定可负担的避孕政策以及实施综合计划生育举措，以增强照顾者的支持并改善青少年生殖健康结果。
